April 2024
The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has published a final rule clarifying the rights of employees to authorize a representative to accompany OSHA compliance officers during an inspection of their workplace. The rule takes effect May 31, 2024.
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has issued a final rule that implements the federal Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA). The final rule takes effect June 18, 2024.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has published a rule that temporarily increases the automatic extension period of employment authorization and/or Employment Authorization Document (Form I-766 or EAD) validity from up to 180 days to up to 540 days.
Washington state has enacted legislation (Senate Bill 5793), which expands paid sick leave protections under state law. Senate Bill 5793 takes effect on Jan. 1, 2025.
Washington state has enacted legislation (Senate Bill 5778), which protects employees who refuse to attend employer meetings or listen to (or view) employer communications because the meetings or communications involve political or religious matters. Senate Bill 5778 takes effect on June 6, 2024.
The city of Duluth, Minnesota has repealed its paid sick leave ordinance effective Jan. 17, 2024.
Los Angeles County, California has enacted an ordinance that will impose various obligations on covered employers regarding the criminal histories of applicants and employees. The ordinance applies to only the unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County and takes effect Sept. 3, 2024.
New York City has released a “Know Your Rights at Work” poster, which NYC employers must begin distributing to employees by July 1, 2024. The City has also published its “Workers’ Bill of Rights” website.
Candidates living outside of New York State and City who are applying for jobs in New York State and City may be protected under the state's and city's Human Rights laws.
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Washington has enacted legislation (Senate Bill 5564) that restricts employers' use of employee assistance program (EAP) data. Senate Bill 5564 takes effect on June 9, 2022.
Washington DC has announced that its minimum wage will increase to $16.10 from the current rate of $15.20 per hour effective July 1, 2022.
Utah has enacted legislation (House Bill 63) that requires an employer to exempt an employee from a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination if the employee provides certain medical documentation. House Bill 63 is effective immediately.
The Virginia Safety and Health Codes Board has repealed its Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) and provided new guidance on COVID-19 safety procedures. The Board repealed the ETS on March 23, 2022.
The City of Philadelphia has enacted Bill 220051-A, which amends its Public Health Emergency law (PHEL). Bill 220051-A took effect on March 9, 2022, and is set to expire on December 31, 2023.
Nebraska has enacted legislation (LB 906e) that requires employers to provide medical and religious exemptions if they mandate COVID-19 vaccinations. Legislative Bill 906e took effect on March 1, 2022.
Colorado has implemented rules effective May 1, 2022 that require additional meal and rest breaks for agricultural workers when dangerous conditions exist.
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LACDPH) has issued an order lifting indoor mask requirements in many places.